5 Things to do in Indianapolis with Kids in December

Merry Christmas! It’s December. I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. This is my favorite time of the year and my favorite holiday! If you are in or around the city this time of year here are 5 must do things in Indianapolis in December with your family.

Indianapolis in December

Festival of Trees

Experience the joy of the holiday season at the History Center! From classic decor to the downright creative, 80 elaborately decorated trees will be displayed at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center to delight people of all ages.

There’s something magical happening every day, and you’ll want to check out our special programs, too. Bring the kids and grandkids to the Sugarplum Breakfast to meet characters from The Nutcracker, imbibe in craft brews at Good Beers and Ugly Sweaters and channel Ralphie at A Christmas Story Day.

Take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtzgurke, 10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building. When legs get weary, guests are invited to take a break in the Cole Porter Room, where a singer leads guests through holiday-themed songs, as well as popular Porter standards.

Jolly Days at the Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum rings in the holidays with cheer. There are so many things to do with with the family that the kids will enjoy as well. There’s the Yule Slide to enjoy. The warmest skating pond in the city. It may not be real but kids enjoy it all the same. There’s a reindeer barn and chance to see Santa in addition to all the other activities at the museum. Find out all the activities at Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at the Children’s Museum.

Lights at the Brickyard

Starting on November 17th the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens to celebrate the their annual inaugural holiday event. Lights at the Brickyard is usually a 1.7 mile drive-through holiday display with 2.5 million bright lights illuminating an expanded lineup of colorful displays, but last year they expanded this and now travels through the IMS infield and along the front stretch of the historic oval—will cross the world-famous Yard of Bricks start-finish line.

In addition to more lights than ever before, this year marks the addition of limited out-of-car experiences for the first time.

“Santa Nights at the IMS Museum” – Dec. 2 and Dec. 9

River West Coffee Truck for purchase of hot chocolate, coffee, and other sweet holiday treats. Check IMS social media

Special photo opportunities near the IMS Museum fountain.

Purchase tickets from November 16 – December 30, 2018. Purchase tickets Monday-Wednesday: $25 per car, Thursday-Sunday: $30 per car or get speedy tickets for $50. Get tickets here.

Reynolds Farm Equipment Light

Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Circle of Lights is big must do for the family! Happening on November 24, 6-8pm (lighting of tree at 7:50pm). Head down to Monument Circle the Friday after Thanksgiving to kick off the Christmas holiday season with the lighting of 4,784 lights. Travelocity named the Circle of Lights® one of the top five “must-see Christmas trees” in the nation. Presented by the IBEW 481. Free.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo with celebrate its 50th annual holiday event with Santa workshop, carolers, holiday photos and more at the zoo. Christmas at the Zoo has been voted in the top five of USA Today’s 10 Best Zoo Lights for three years in a row!

Enjoy lights and see animals exhibits that will be open later just for you staring November 23. This year they are offering more opportunities to visit, with Mondays and Tuesdays added in as well as extended hours until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.. Find out more details at Indianapolis Zoo.